<p>2dtimearound - if he truly would choose Bard over Vassar if they could match the award - there’s no harm in asking the financial aid office if any adjustments can be made. Let them know the truth - that, yes, he would go to Bard, and that he has an offer in hand for more from Vassar. I don’t know how Bard does in this regard - but many many other schools will adjust their financial aid awards to match another school.</p>